GUN FALL 2017
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/31/2017
EXTREMELY RARE AND DESIRABLE CIVIL WAR 13-TUBE BLAKESLEE "QUICK LOADER" SPENCER CARTRIDGE BOX, 1 OF ONLY 4 KNOWN.This is the rarest and most desirable of all the Blakeslee quick loader boxes. Even though there was a contract for 1,000, one noted collector states there are only four known extant today. This box, when fully loaded, would weight 10 lbs and was made to be issued to the infantry. SIZE: PROVENANCE: Norm Flayderman collection; Butterfield & Butterfield, lot 1623, January 1997; Hayes Otoupalik collection; David Pierce collection. CONDITION: Overall box is good and complete. Though tab is replaced, it still retains all 13 original tin tubes. Hinged lid is functional, and complete with both belt loops and strap loops. Implement pouch is marked "BLAKESLEE'S CARTRIDGE BOX/U.S./PATD DEC. 20, 1864/E. GAYLORD/CHICOPEE/MASS". There is an indiscernible inspector's cartouche below maker's mark. Leather has shrunk and there are several reinforced repairs where lid has cracked at folds and implement pouch tab is reinforced. 52156-3 JS (7,000-9,000)